Public urged to give Legenderry welcome at team prizegiving event

Kevin Mullan

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Hilary McClintock, has issued a call for thousands of spectators to come along and be part of the ‘LegenDerry Finale’ prizegiving event for the Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race taking place in Guildhall Square this evening from 7pm.

Mayor McClintock said the prizegiving event promises to be a unique occasion as it is the first time the city will host the crew prize-giving outside.

The Mayor is also appealing for everyone to get behind the home team, Derry~Londonderry~Doire, by joining the huge outdoor party in Guildhall Square dressed in the team colour purple.

Chart-topping Irish band Seo Linn will headline the night of celebration which looks set to be one of the key highlights of the Foyle Maritime Festival that is current taking place until July 17.

Mayor McClintock said: “This will be the first time that the crew prize-giving event for the Clipper Race has been held in public in our city and it promises to be a momentous occasion. It’s a fantastic occasion for us to show our appreciation for our local team on securing second place and to all the teams for their efforts and success.”

Helena Hasson, Council’s Clipper Race Project Officer, said the ‘LegenDerry Finale’ is gearing up to be a truly special event for everyone involved.

She continued: "A special performance of Seo Linn is being delivered in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council’s European Youth Capital 2019 bid supported by Culturlann, with a number of workshops earlier this week with young people from across the city and region happening in advance to make sure the evening is extra special.

“The evening will celebrate our cultural heritage through a fusion of music, drumming and dance starting from 7pm and culminating in a spectacular entrance by the race crews into Guildhall Square from around 7.45pm. Following the prize-giving event Seo Linn will take to the stage to pitch celebrations even higher.”

One special moment promises to be when Seo Linn play their version of Avicii’s ‘Wake me Up’ which went viral for them on YouTube and is also the team song for the city’s home team, Derry~Londonderry~Doire.

Remember you can support the #crewpurple home team by joining the party dressed in purple, creating a ‘LegenDerry’ atmosphere in Guildhall Square on Wednesday, July 13th starting at 7pm.